Flo Vialan is Parliamentary group’s brewer of the year

Purity Brewing Company’s director of brewing, Flo Vialan (pictured), has been named brewer of the year at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group beer awards.

The highly-prized and prestigious award is one of only a small number handed out annually by the group.

The Frenchman, who hails from Lyon and who has been head brewer with Purity for nearly 11 years, has been recognised for his wide-ranging skills in and out of the brewhouse, and for his complete embodiment of Purity’s core values: brewing great beer without prejudice, with a conscience, and with a consistency and attention to detail which is second to none.

As well as a dedicated eco-friendly brewer with a degree in environmental science and agriculture, Flo has been crucial in Purity’s development of all its beers and its continued success as one of the leading craft brewers in the UK.

Having been unaware of the nomination, let alone the win, Flo was summoned to the stage in front of more than 200 attendees and 80 MPs at Westminster’s One Great George Street to receive his award.

In its own words, the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group beer awards aim to:

promote the wholesomeness and enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society

increase understanding of the social, cultural and historic role of brewing and pubs in the UK and their value to tourism

broaden recognition of the contribution of brewing and pubs to employment and to the UK’s economy

promote understanding of the social responsibility exercised by the brewing and pub industries

Speaking about Flo’s award, Purity managing director, Paul Halsey, said: “He is one of the most dedicated, meticulous and driven brewers I have ever met, as well as being a central part of the Purity family, so this award is very well deserved.

“I take particular pride in Flo’s journey with us here at the brewery, but even more so in the fact he didn’t know about the nomination and had to get up on stage in front of so many people. Nice one, Flo.”

Flo said: “I am incredibly proud and thankful to receive this award. It’s not often you get to combine your work with one of your hobbies, and I feel privileged that I get to do this every day.

“It’s not just for me, though. This award I would like to share with my excellent brewing team at Purity that continue to push boundaries, strive to improve each day and ensure the beer we brew is the best possible. I’d like to thank the APPBG for this award and also the whole team at Purity as I couldn’t do my job if it wasn’t for the rest of the guys doing theirs, it truly is a team effort!”